“We expect to engage with Mr. Trump in the same respectful, civil manner that we engage each and every one of our colleagues”.
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This is Carson’s second popularity surge: like several other candidates, he had seen an initial boost after launching his campaign in early May, but that surge that already faded.
The proportion of Republican voters favouring Carson rose to 23 per cent from 6 per cent in the previous CBS News poll, which was taken just before the first televised Republican debate in early August.
And 94 percent of Trump supporters said it’s “very important” their candidate “says what he or she truly believes”. Carson drew more support from college graduates than Trump, while those without a college education were more likely to favour Trump.
For weeks now, numerous 2016 Republican candidates have been locked in intensive preparation, refining their lines and honing strategies to deal with the ever unpredictable and seemingly unstoppable Donald Trump. The two have some policy differences – Carson backs a flat tax; Trump has issues with it – but the most noticeable difference is clearly style.
Jeb Bush, perhaps the campaign s ultimate establishment Republican, has seen his political fortunes tumble in the months since Trump entered the race. After an aggressive lobbying effort by her campaign, CNN broadened its participation requirements to allow her on the main stage. Last week, after Trump questioned Carson’s energy level and called him just an “O.K. doctor” -a laughably inaccurate description-Carson responded gracefully.
Trump, he said, is merely expressing what people are thinking: There is a real dissatisfaction with Washington.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a talented politician who has largely avoided criticizing his fellow candidates, also doesn’t plan to take on Trump. The billionaire, who has never held public office or previously run for a government job, has said he will fix the system.
They’ll be joined by Kentucky Sen.
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“Rand Paul, Chris Christie, John Kasich – all of them have to have a good showing”, he said. Ted Cruz, the sole contender to align himself with Trump and try to draft off his support. After last month’s first debate – in which the cavernous arena was largely empty for the lower-tier candidates – CNN will require its audience to be in their seats for both. Rick Santorum, former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore – have less than 1 percent in WBUR’s poll.
